1. Sensory Memory Short Term Memory (STM) Long Term Memory

2. Sensory Memory The sensory memory retains an exact copy of what is seen or heard (visual and auditory). It only lasts for a few seconds, while some theorize it last only 300 milliseconds. It has unlimited capacity

3. Short Term Memory (STR) Selective attention determines what information moves from sensory memory to short-term memory. STM is most often stored as sounds, especially in recalling words, but may be stored as images. It works basically the same as a computer's RAM (Random Access Memory) in that it provides a working space for short computations and then transfers it to other parts of the memory system or discards it. It is thought to be about seven bits in length, that is, we normally remember seven items. STM is vulnerable to interruption or interference.

4. After entering sensory memory, a limited amount of information is transferred into short-term memory. Within STM, there are three basic operations: Iconic memory - The ability to hold visual images. Acoustic memory - The ability to hold sounds. Acoustic memory can be held longer than iconic memory. Working memory - An active process to keep it until it is put to use (think of a phone number you'll repeat to yourself until you can dial it on the phone). Note that the goal is not really to move the information from STM to LTM, but merely put the information to immediate use.

5. Long Term Memory This is relatively permanent storage. Information is stored on the basis of meaning and importance. An important factor for retention of learned information in LTM is that it is the rehearsal of the memory that provides transfer of learning

6. Information Processing Model The progress of information through these storage systems is often referred to as the Information Processing Model (Marzano, 1998), which can be mapped as:

7. STM to LTM The process of transferring information from STM to LTM involves the encoding or consolidation of information. This is not a function of time, that is, the longer a memory stayed in STM, the more likely it was to be placed into LTM; but on organizing complex information in STM before it can be encoded into LTM. In this process of organization, the meaningfulness or emotional content of an item may play a greater role in its retention into LTM. As instructional designers, we must find ways to make learning relevant and meaningful enough for the learner to make the important transfer of information to long-term memory.

8. Chunking Information The use of chunking has been proven to be a significant aid for enhancing the STM transfer to LTM.chunking Remember, STM's capacity is limited to about seven items, regardless of the complexity of those items. Chunking allows the brain to automatically group certain items together, hence the ability to remember and learn better.